Mike Repole, who announced last weekend on CNBC's Spinster Stakes program that he was interested in forming an owners' association to address problems in the sport, issued an update on his progress Thursday night on the social media platform X.
The update reads, in its entirety:
“I am amazed and motivated at the overwhelming support that the new Association has received!!!!! I have a name for the association that is are awaiting final approval. Not only have so many people reached out for our cause to make the horse racing industry better, but I've had a few tracks and five current racing associations contact me expressing great interest in working together to make the sport better. A few things I'd like to address are: 1. Thoroughbred Retirement has always been incredibly important to me. I've owned thousands of horses over 20 years, and have always focused on being a positive example for thoroughbred retirement. Many times a horse is claimed away from you and it is out of your control what happens a year later or three years later. Even though I am a significant donor to Old Friends, New Vocations, Thoroughbred Aftercare. I and we can all do better.
2. I've been investing in horse racing for 40 years. The first 20 as a gambler and the last 20 as a owner & a gambler. Gamblers put up their money for the sport. We need to do A LOT more and better for the gambler. The way the tracks need to make money financially is to grow the handle not the takeout. We all love this great sport!!!!!”
After his initial statement, Repole was questioned about why he hadn't addressed Thoroughbred retirement and the gambler in his comments.
I am amazed and motivated at the overwhelming support that the new Association has received!!!!!
I have a name for the association that is are awaiting final approval.
Not only have so many people reached out for our cause to make the horse racing industry better, but I've had…
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) October 13, 2023
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